Looking For an Emergency Dentist Near Me? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know Before a Crisis Hits
Published July 10, 2026
Need help right now? Call us at (801) 948-0382 for a same-day emergency appointment. We prioritize pain relief and fast solutions so you can get back to your life!
Nobody wakes up planning for a dental emergency. One minute you’re enjoying a local SLC treat, and the next, a chipped tooth or a throbbing ache has turned your day upside down. When you're frantically searching for an "emergency dentist near me," the last thing you want is a complicated process or a long wait.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we specialize in turning dental crises into calm, comfortable resolutions. Whether you need a dentist in Salt Lake City for a sudden toothache or help with a broken crown, here are 10 essential things you should know before a crisis hits.
1. Pain is a Signal, Not a Suggestion
If your tooth is throbbing, it’s telling you something is wrong. Ignoring a severe toothache can lead to abscesses or infections that spread. As a premier family dentist in Salt Lake City, we recommend calling us the moment you feel persistent discomfort. Catching it early often means a simpler (and cheaper) fix.
2. We are a Proud Medicaid Dentist in Utah
Many people avoid the dentist during an emergency because of cost. We believe high-quality care should be accessible to everyone. We are a dedicated Medicaid dentist in Utah, ensuring that patients with Medicaid coverage can get the urgent treatment they need without financial fear.
3. "Same-Day" is Our Standard
When you have a broken tooth, you don't want to walk around with a temporary fix for weeks. We utilize Cerec technology to provide same-day crowns. This means we can scan, design, and place your permanent crown in a single visit. No messy impressions, no "temporary" phase, just immediate results.
4. How to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence:
- Pick it up by the crown (the top part), never the root.
- Rinse it gently with water (don't scrub!).
- Try to place it back in the socket.
- If it won't go back in, keep it moist in a small container of milk or your own saliva.
- Get to an emergency dentist near me within 30–60 minutes.
5. Tech Makes the Diagnosis Faster
During a crisis, we don't want to guess. We use cutting-edge technology like CBCT 3D x-rays and digital scanners to see exactly what’s happening beneath the surface. This allows Dr. Todd Vincent to create a precise treatment plan immediately, whether you need a filling or dental implants in Utah.
6. Anxiety? We Have Sedation Options
Dental emergencies are stressful enough without the fear of the chair. We offer sedation dentistry in Utah for patients who are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. From nitrous oxide to deeper sedation, we can help you literally sleep through your emergency procedure.
7. Comfort is Built-In
We’ve designed our offices to feel like a retreat, not a clinic. If you’re coming in for an urgent fix, you can zone out with our noise-canceling headphones and ceiling-mounted TVs. Our goal is to make your visit as gentle and "Salt Flats smooth" as possible.
8. Know Your Local Locations
When a crisis hits, you need to know exactly where to go. Salt Flats Dentistry has multiple hubs to serve you:
- Dentists in Murray: Visit us at our Fashion Place location for convenient care near the mall.
- Dentists in Riverton: Our South Bangerter office is perfect for families in the southwest corner of the valley.
- SLC/Herriman: We are strategically located to be your go-to "dentist near me" no matter where you are in the valley.
9. When to Choose the ER Over the Dentist
While we handle almost all dental crises, you should head to the nearest Emergency Room if you experience:
- A suspected broken jaw.
- Uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop with pressure.
- Swelling that is making it difficult to breathe or swallow.
10. Beyond the Emergency: Restoring Your Smile
Once the pain is gone, we look at the long-term. If your emergency resulted in a lost tooth, we offer advanced solutions like all on 4 dental implants or custom-fitted dentures. If we’re repairing a front tooth, our cosmetic dentist in Salt Lake City can use porcelain veneers to ensure your smile looks even better than before the accident.
Meet Dr. Todd Vincent
Dr. Todd Vincent is the heart of Salt Flats Dentistry. A Utah native, Dr. Vincent is passionate about providing gentle, high-tech care to his neighbors. When he isn't busy restoring smiles with same-day crowns, you can find him exploring the local trails or spending time with his family. He believes that a visit to the dentist should be something you look forward to, even in an emergency!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take walk-ins for emergencies?
While we prefer a quick phone call so we can prep a room for you, we do our absolute best to accommodate same-day emergency walk-ins at all our locations.
Is an emergency visit covered by Medicaid?
Yes, we are a medicaid dentist in Utah and many emergency procedures are covered. Our team is expert at navigating insurance and government programs to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
What if I don't have insurance?
Don't let a lack of insurance keep you in pain. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to ensure you get care when you need it most.
Are you open on weekends?
Check our locations page for the most up-to-date hours, as some of our offices offer extended and weekend availability to handle those Saturday afternoon mishaps!
Don't stay in pain. Whether you need a family dentist in Salt Lake City or urgent restorative care, Salt Flats Dentistry is here for you.